Do Unto Others

Most of us grew up hearing that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated.  That's a great starting point.  The more we know about the other party, the more we should try to treat them as they want to be treated.  The two standards aren't always the same.  However, when we act with high integrity, attempting to do the right thing, with respect for ourselves and others, we have a great basis for a strong relationship.

Sweet Deal

I was glad that reservations at the Four Seasons had been made weeks in advance when we received notice that overflow conference attendees would have to find accommodations at nearby hotels.  After cramming in three appointments before leaving Houston at 2:00 on Tuesday, I'd just driven three hours while juggling work related challenges via cell phone. When I arrived to claim my hotel reservation, I had just over an hour to resolve one more work related issue before engaging with the attendees at our event.  All of my carefully orchestrated logistics had worked so far. I was glad to have arrived with ample time to spare and I expected to have a room waiting for me.

The vibrant crowd at the bar was the first indication that all those making reservations had actually arrived.  I congratulated the gracious young woman assisting me on the hotel's stellar occupancy.  When I asked when most guests had arrived she responded, "Sunday".  Because the hotel was fully booked, it took longer than usual to locate a vacant room.  Though the hotel clerk was trying not to reveal concern, I knew something was amiss, but exhibited no angst or frustration.

I patiently waited and when she announced that she was putting me in a room with a lake view, I enthusiastically responded, "That will be lovely."  A few more moments of computer key strokes followed before she broke the delightful news that she was putting me in an executive suite.  I quickly told her how grateful I was for the upgraded accommodation.  She came out from behind the registration desk to present my key, apologize for the wait and provide a brief logistical orientation. 

I suspect that this composed, considerate hotel associate had been dealing with frustrated, demanding guests all day.  When she had the opportunity to reward a guest who pleasantly engaged and patiently waited, she did.  I've already shared the story of her exceptional customer service with a few others.  She brightened my day and reinforced my belief that when we treat others as we believe they want to be treated, the giver and receiver are often rewarded in unexpected ways.

God Be With Us

I recently heard a hymn with words from the Saram Primer in 1514. 

"God be in my head, and in my understanding.
God be in my eyes, and in my looking.
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking.
God be in my heart, and in my thinking.
God be at my end, and at my departing."

What a simple and beautiful way to remember to do, say and think the right things.

We're All in the Same Boat

We travel amidst a sea of drivers who act as if they are invisibly cocooned in their vehicles. We seat-belt into our vehicles and begin a new journey. We sometimes forget that these are real people, with families, lives, jobs and deadlines. When we're rushing to an important meeting, cutting it close to be on time for an appointment or clearly running late, we tend to think only of our need for speed. Ever wonder how many other drivers are in your same situation? I rarely do, but everything is connected, and I imagine that my scenario is readily replicated.

We all recognize idiot drivers when they interrupt our journey. How often do we stop to think that some of the things that these idiot drivers are doing "that irritate us and disrupt our journey" are things that we've also done when we are distracted or in a hurry?

I get frustrated with those who ignore my turn signal, tailgate, think that the multiple warnings that the lane is ending don't apply to them, linger at a green light and who drive more slowly than seems possible. I'm alarmed by those who recklessly change lanes at a high rate of speed, those who carry over-sized and under-secured loads and those who weave distractedly, sleepily or impaired from the lane in which they are traveling.

I am always appreciative of drivers who indulge my adrenaline rush and acknowledge my left turn signal as I attempt to move 4 lanes left within half a block and then navigate a high speed 4 leftward-bound lane change in less than a tollway mile. It's not for the faint-hearted.

Where better than our streets, roads, highways, freeways and tollways to practice the Golden Rule?

The idiot drivers I've encountered are numerous, but thankfully I've also encountered equal numbers of considerate drivers who realize that we're all in this together (everything's connected).